FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
James Deeley, Senior Business Manager at Boden Group discusses the importance of employers and recruitment experts acting together to address an FM talent shortage and help secure the future of the sector
The Facilities Management industry is set to grow significantly in the coming years. According to research from Baachu: “The FM Market will provide opportunities worth £16.8 billion to the FM suppliers spread across public and private sectors during the three years from 2023-25.”
This growth is expected to create thousands of new job opportunities, which we know will need to be filled by skilled and knowledgeable professionals.
But we also know the FM industry is currently facing a skills shortage. With the average FM being 50 years old we can expect many experienced professionals to retire in the coming years. This means we need new young talent to start entering the sector. Fast.
It’s becoming a significant challenge for the industry. To ensure the smooth running of the built environment, it’s essential we have a strong workforce. And most importantly, attract and retain these talented individuals. To address this challenge, we need to promote facilities management as a viable career option and encourage young people to consider a career in the industry.
One of the main obstacles to achieving this is the lack of awareness among young people. Schools often don’t provide students with information about the industry and the various opportunities available. This means that many young people miss out on the chance to pursue a career in this rewarding sector.
PROMOTE THE INDUSTRY
To overcome this, many facilities management companies are taking matters into their own hands. One way of doing this is by partnering with schools to promote the industry as a career choice. Boden Group is a leading recruitment specialist in the facilities management industry and has a deep passion for the sector. As a company, we are committed to promoting the industry to young people and ensuring that the next generation of facilities management professionals has the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
For this reason, we recently partnered with CBRE, the leading FM service provider, to promote facilities management as a career choice for school children. Through a series of presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions, the initiative aims to provide young people with insights into the industry, the qualifications and skills required, and the potential career paths available.
Initiatives like these are essential for the long-term success of the facilities management industry. By showcasing the diverse range of career opportunities available, companies like Boden Group and CBRE are helping to inspire the next generation of facilities management professionals and address the current skills gap within the industry.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
In addition to addressing the skills shortage in facilities management, promoting the industry as a career choice can also help to promote diversity and inclusivity within the sector. Historically, the facilities management industry has been male dominated, and women being generally underrepresented in senior positions. By encouraging a more diverse range of young people to consider a career in facilities management, we can help to ensure that the industry is representative of the wider community and that everyone has the opportunity to build a successful career.
Promoting FM as a career choice can help to attract individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of skills. For example, FM requires not only technical skills but also interpersonal and managerial skills, making it an ideal career choice for those with a range of talents and interests.
For us to ensure the industry continues to attract and retain talented individuals, ongoing professional development and training opportunities is key. It’ll help to ensure that FM professionals remain up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. Let’s face it, the industry is constantly evolving with IoT (internet of things) and beyond. It’ll also help to demonstrate to prospective employees that the industry is committed to their ongoing growth and development. At Boden Group, when we see talent that’s evolved, we know that’s a quality candidate for us to place.
It’s a vital industry that is essential to the smooth running of the built environment. Despite its importance, the industry is facing a skills shortage. With many experienced professionals set to retire in the coming years, it’s essential to act now! We’re working to address this challenge and ensure the long-term success of the industry. Using initiatives like going to schools can help to promote facilities management as a viable career option. You’ll be there to encourage young people from a range of backgrounds and with a range of skills to consider a career in the industry.
